ABILENE, Texas – Sophomore goalkeeper Aidan Keane posted a shutout in his first career start, and McMurry University Men's Soccer defeated the University of the Ozarks 1-0 Saturday night at Wilford Moore Stadium.
Keane recorded seven saves in the victory as McMurry posted its first shutout of the season. Keane was also aided by a strong defensive effort from the War Hawks' back line.
The War Hawks (3-3-3, 2-1-1 ASC) got the game-winning goal in the 60th minute. In a game that was filled with fouls and yellow cards, it came as no surprise the War Hawks would score on a free kick. Kicking from the left sideline, sophomore defender DJ Jaime sent a perfect ball to the near post, where senior defender Aaron Webb came slashing in in tap it in on just inside the left post.
McMurry nearly took the lead in the first half, but Eagle goalkeeper Logan Valestin came out to the edge of the box to prevent a goal on a War Hawk breakaway by sophomore midfielder James Alexander.
"I'm proud of the guys for completing their first 90 minutes as a team, and all the credit to the guys who just worked hard, the guys that came off the bench and gave us that spark to complete this game," Head Coach Tyler Tarango said.
The Eagles (2-7-1, 2-4-0) outshot the War Hawks for the match, 13-9, and in shots on goal, 7-6. Each shot on goal was taken by a different War Hawk.
McMurry had five corner kick opportunities to the Eagles' two. Ozarks also committed 16 fouls to the War Hawks' seven.
The War Hawks return to the road for a matchup at Belhaven University October 4 at 7:30 p.m.
